Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 1002 - 962: The People’s Excitement

However, if the current predicament isn't navigated skillfully, it could cast a significant shadow over his career. He found himself inwardly cursing Lin Yi, branding him with every conceivable insult. Why, he pondered, did this scoundrel have to instigate such a mess? This incident had, without a doubt, shaken the entire capital of Dayou to its core.

Nevertheless, this elder statesman harbored his own strategic considerations. After a period of contemplation, he gestured for everyone to remain composed. "My esteemed colleagues," he announced, "let us maintain our calm. Since this matter originates from Emperor You's decree, we have no recourse but to permit this temporary upheaval.

Furthermore, he has reduced the tax rate to a mere ten percent. While this may strain the national treasury, it poses no direct threat to our personal fortunes. Heh, perhaps not everyone realizes it, but this newcomer has just arrived and has no prior ties to Dayou. His actions suggest he's unaware of the practicalities of sustenance, like questioning why one cannot subsist on mere meat porridge.

Consequently, I surmise that by year's end, he will inevitably confront this substantial financial void that requires urgent patching. Once he attempts to raise the taxes once more, his authority will shatter instantly, and at that juncture, not a single citizen will stand by him."

This seasoned official possessed a keen intellect and a knack for insightful observation. As he articulated, if Lin Yi were not an individual with foresight, someone possessing exceptional methods, anyone else making such a decision would undoubtedly face dire consequences. Later, when the treasury's depletion becomes evident, the situation will be beyond repair.

Reducing taxes for the populace earns their gratitude, but subsequently increasing them will erase all past goodwill, leaving only resentment. At that point, the citizens will remember only the tax hike, and the leader's reputation and standing among the people will plummet precipitously.

Of course, there's another crucial element this elder shrewdly withheld: his intention to observe further, to gauge the reactions from other regions. He anticipates that Lin Yi's policies will inevitably infringe upon numerous vested interests. When this occurs, it is plausible that some faction might resort to extreme measures, perhaps even eliminating the officials responsible for announcing the decree.

He desires to witness this unfolding drama, to wait until the populace retaliates by eliminating key figures. He aims to observe how the imperial court responds to such an event, and only then will he devise his own superior strategy. However, revealing this plan now would only diminish his standing among his peers.

Upon hearing his measured explanation, while everyone still harbored inner dissatisfaction, they recognized their powerlessness. Hadn't Lord Wang, a figure of considerable influence, already spoken? Although their own households had sustained significant financial blows, Lord Wang's position as the incumbent administrator of this region suggested his losses were likely even more substantial. If he remained silent, what right did they have to protest?

Yet, this common sentiment did not encompass everyone; a degree of indignation persisted among some. Thus, shortly after Lord Wang concluded his remarks, one individual voiced his dissent. "Lord Wang," he inquired, "are we to simply stand by and allow them to act with such impunity? If this continues, our authority and influence will be grievously undermined."

Lord Wang responded with a mild chuckle, waving his hand dismissively. "These are but minor financial setbacks. Have we not all profited handsomely throughout the years? We can certainly absorb such modest losses. Our immediate task is to bide our time alongside him, observing whether our personal fortunes or the national treasury emerges as the wealthier entity."

Initially, such a statement might sound audacious – how could an official's personal wealth rival that of the entire national treasury? Yet, upon deeper reflection, the assertion seems less exaggerated and surprisingly plausible. After all, the national treasury must support a vast populace, feeding numerous mouths. In contrast, these officials' households lack such extensive overheads; their accumulated wealth is often sufficient for many generations to indulge in extravagance.

Still, human nature dictates that even with such boundless, generational wealth, the desire for more money remains insatiable. The dissenting speaker opened his mouth, intending to retort, but ultimately swallowed his words, silently cursing Lord Wang. "This fellow has certainly embezzled a fortune," he thought. "His family's wealth rivals a nation's, yet we still have a large populace to maintain. While not lacking in necessities, these losses still diminish our personal coffers." However, in their current capacity as mere gentry, not paramount officials, they were compelled to align with Lord Wang's directives.

While this clandestine discussion unfolded, others had already perused the freshly distributed newspapers multiple times. Despite the late hour, the content of these publications had ignited an uncontainable excitement among the citizens. They rushed about, their voices ringing with cheers of "Long live His Majesty!" and "The Emperor is wise!" Their boisterous celebration, echoing through the night, roused many from their slumber.Upon hearing the news, the gates were thrown open and a wave of excitement surged through the populace. Throngs of people began to stream towards the central square, the very place where the decree was to be announced. They yearned to confirm the astonishing rumors themselves – had the Emperor truly mandated a reduction in taxes to a mere ten percent? The news spread like wildfire, initially from one person to ten, then to a hundred, and swiftly to a thousand. Before long, the entirety of the county was abuzz with the information. Even Lin Yi himself was taken aback by the speed at which the decree was issued and disseminated. It was clear that this night would be one of sleeplessness for many. Tears of unadulterated joy streamed down numerous faces as people clutched their heads, weeping intensely. This was the day they had long awaited, the day taxes would be slashed to ten percent, heralding a new era of prosperity for their lives. They hailed the newly appointed Emperor as a benevolent ruler, a divine blessing sent to alleviate their hardships, a truly magnificent sovereign. [To be continued...]